June 12 elections: Why I am against immortalisation of Prof. Nwosu — Sen. Oshiomole

Senator representing Edo North, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has stated why he is opposed to the proposed posthumous recognition for the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC).

Speaking during a session at the Senate on Thursday, Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, accused Nwosu and former military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida, of deceiving the 18 million Nigerians who voted in the historic election.

He argued that Prof. Nwosu failed Nigerians by not officially declaring the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election noting that had an opportunity to set the record straight after Nigeria’s return to democracy but failed to do so.

“Professor Nwosu and President Babangida fooled the 18 million Nigerians who voted,” Oshiomhole said.

“If he was afraid of the gun because we were under a dictatorship, some people might say, ‘Well, there were Nigerians who protested under the gun without minding the consequences.’

“After the end of Babangida’s tenure, the death of Abiola, and the birth of the new democracy that produced President Obasanjo, I would have expected Nwosu to say—either on his birthday or on a special occasion—‘I couldn’t declare these numbers then, but now, on my record, Abiola won this election. I just wasn’t able to announce it,’” he said.

“He died without confession; he cannot be rewarded,” Oshiomhole added, insisting that history should not be distorted to honour Nwosu.

The debate arose during deliberations on a motion sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), which sought to recognize Nwosu’s role in Nigeria’s democratic transition.

However, Oshiomhole maintained that true courage would have meant announcing Abiola’s victory despite the risks, and since Nwosu failed to do so, he should not be celebrated.